Thursday, May 7, 2009

The first grade class worked very hard making a beautiful science fair for their parents this past Wednesday. In class they finished another chapter in science - the chapter on the life cycles of animals. Each student chose an animal and made a box project or poster about its life cycle. At the science fair each boy told the parents all about their animals life cycle. All the projects were spectacular! The parents were shocked with how much information they knew and how well they knew it. A big thank you to Mrs. Chein for arranging this amazing science fair.

With the big event just a few weeks away, preparations are picking up momentum for what promises to be a wonderful evening for the entire community. A core group of dedicated parents have united to develop the event’s theme and a very special video and musical presentation are planned as well.

In addition please also take advantage of this opportunity to acknowledge the special efforts of the honorees, the Cheder, our Rabbeim, Moros and teachers by sponsoring a Greeting or Dedication to be included with the Scroll of Supporters that will be distributed at the event. The Greetings and Dedications deadline is Monday May 18. Please print out the form below and send in at your earliest convenience by any of the methods mentioned above.

RAMAPO - A hearing on a proposed yeshiva and dormitory on Remsen Avenue drew opposition from residents upset over its size and potential to detract from their neighborhood.

After two and a half hours of discussion and comments from a parade of residents, nearly all opposed to the project, the Planning Board on Tuesday decided to resume the public hearing on June 7.

The board was particularly concerned about the paucity of buffers around the 31,232-square-foot yeshiva and dormitory, as well as drainage issues on the one-acre property.

Also, Ramapo's Planning consultant, John Lang of Frederick P. Clark Associates of Rye, was not ready to recommend to the board that the project would have no significant environmental impact.

He was concerned about the height of the three-story building, as well as buffering space as little as 5 feet.

Some residents of the largely Jewish neighborhood, which one described as having a mix of secular, Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox homeowners, said they were not opposed to the exercise of religion and would welcome a smaller school.

"This is unincorporated Ramapo," said Joan Newman. "It is not a city. It was never meant to be a city."

She said she felt that the one-acre property "can in no way, shape or form accommodate (a) 31,232-square-foot" building.

Ira Emanuel, a New City attorney for the yeshiva, said the construction, including driveways and the parking lot, consumed 52 percent of the lot area, while up to 65 percent was allowed.

"Frankly, we could put a lot more pavement here," Emanuel said, "but we're not doing it."

He said that he agreed with an assessment by Robert Rhodes, chairman of Preserve Ramapo, who characterized the dispute as "a clash of cultures."

Earlier in the evening, Rhodes, whose group has long opposed development, particularly without expanded infrastructure, said: "What we really have here is a clash of cultures; people who live in a suburban neighborhood and people who want to educate their kids and put up an urban edifice in a suburban area."

One resident objected to assumptions that religious organizations could get whatever building accommodations they wanted in Ramapo.

"We don't think it's the Jewish way to just come in and not care what it's doing to your neighbors," said Elizabeth Diamond.

She called the proposal "a gross overutilization of the land," and said "we're talking about a building that 10 times the size of the average home on the block."

The meeting drew about 60 people, who seemed evenly split between the yeshiva and neighborhood.

"Since the last Planning Board meeting, the yeshiva has been reduced," said Daniel Goldfarb, who wanted to send his sons there.

The yeshiva made some changes at Ramapo's request, including a reduction of students to 63 from 84 and moving the building away from the road.